Studio City, CA. Brazilian music nights are not uncommon in Los Angeles. Not with the city’s substantial population of world class Brazilian players – along with the American musicians who have developed considerable competence with Brazilian music over the years.

The Lado B Project is a combination of both, blending a collection of players who brought a full palette of musical perspectives to a compelling musical evening. Their performance at Vitello’s on Wednesday night was a magical display, underscoring the rich, panoramic qualities of Brazilian music.

Catina DeLuna

It could only have been done this way by some of L.A.’s most versatile musical artists.

Start with Brazilian-born singer/pianist/composer Catina DeLuna, whose many diverse activities include the founding in Sao Paulo of Serenata Braxileira, which specialized in classic Brazilian songs from the ‘20s and ‘30s. Singing solo, playing hand percussion, occasionally moving to the piano to accompany herself, she was the central focus for most of the songs.

Otmaro Ruiz

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Add the eclectic Venezuelan pianist/accordionist/arranger Otmaro Ruiz, whose resume, overflowing with credits reaching from Herb Alpert and John McLaughlin to Arturo Sandoval and John McLaughlin, underscores his remarkable, genre-crossing skills. In addition to his solid piano accompaniment, he brought some atmospheric accordion playing to a few of the selections.

The guitar is an essential element in Brazilian music, and one couldn’t have asked for a more skilled player than guitarist Larry Koons, who is at the top of the list for virtually all music contractors, largely because he brings so much musicality to whatever genre of music he plays. On this night, he used acoustic guitar, roving freely across the many Brazilian rhythms filling the evening’s program.

Larry Koonse and Catina DeLuna

The rhythm team added their own appealing qualities. Aaron Serfaty was a first call drummer in his native Venezuela before he moved to Los Angeles. And bassist Edwin Livingston, also with an impressive resume, lists the Marsalis brothers, David “Fathead” Newman, Natalie Cole and Stanley Jordan among his many associations.

Directed by DeLuna’s informative musical guidance, with Ruiz’s arrangements, Koonse’ authentic guitar work, and the propulsive rhythms of Serfaty and Livingston, the music came vividly to life. Much of it, reaching back to songs of the ‘20s and ‘30s, was unfamiliar to American audiences. But there was no denying its appeal – or, for that matter, the appeal of more easily identifiable songs from Antonio Carlos Jobim, among others.

The only thing missing was some background on the earlier musical selections. Printed programs are rarely present in night club performances. But a list of song titles, composers’ names and genre descriptions of the selections from the pre-WWII years would have further enhanced this otherwise fascinating evening.

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Brenna Whitaker

– May 15. (Wed.) Brenna Whitaker. She could have been a ‘30s platinum blond star. But Whitaker doesn’t just look good; she can sing, too. This time out she picks a set of tunes to enhance the birthday of Vibrato co-owner Eden Alpert. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

– May 16. (Thurs.) John Proulx. Singer/pianist Proulx has begun to claim a position in the rare category of male jazz singer. Proulx, like his musical role model, Chet Baker, brings the flowing phrases of his instrumental playing to his vocal interpretations. H.O.M.E. (House of Music and Entertainment) (310) 271-4663.

– May 17 – 19. (Fri. – Sun.) Melissa Manchester. She’s been producing memorable music since the ‘70s, including “Midnight Blue” and “Don’t Cry Out Loud.” Here’s a chance to catch her in one of her rare club appearances. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

– May 17 – 19. (Fri. – Sun.) Larry Goldings, Peter Bernsteinand Bill Stewart. This is a stellar organ trio if ever there was one. Each of the players is an influence in his own right. Don’t miss them. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

– May 17 – 19, 23 & 25. (Fri. – Sun., Thurs., Sat.) Mozart/Da Ponte Trilogy. The Marriage of Figaro. The second of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s three year trilogy of opera by Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte. The great comic opera is performed in a concert staged version by the Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Master Chorale and soloists. Disney Hall. http://www.laphil.com (323) 850-2000.

– May 19. (Sun.) Deborah Voigt. Critically acknowledged as one of the classical music world’s dramatic sopranos, Voigt – who roves freely from Wagner to Puccini – offers an intimate recital of works by Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Bernstein and more. Valley Performing Arts Center. (818) 677-8800.

San Francisco

Bela Fleck

– May 16 – 19 (Thurs. – Sun.) Bela Fleck solo. Banjo master Fleck has performed in every imaginable setting. But he is especially compelling musically when he plays in the creative intimacy of a solo performance. SFJAZZ Center Miner Auditorium. (866) 920-5299.

New York City

– May 14 – 18. (Tues. – Sat.) Bossabrasil. Featuring Dori Caymmi with special guest, Joyce. Rio comes to Manhattan in the form of a pair of Brazil’s most versatile and gifted musical artists. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.

– May 14 – 19. (Tues. – Sun.) The Gil Evans Project. Directed by Ryan Truesdell. An amazing week of music, featuring a large ensemble exploring the full range of Gil Evans’ extraordinary talents. The selections for each night include Gil Evans’ music for the Claude Thornhill Orchestra, “Out of the Cool,” “New Bottle, Old Wine,” “Great Jazz Standards,” “The Individualism of Gil Evans,” “Miles Ahead,” “Porgy and Bess,” Check with the club for scheduling. The Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2232.

London

Roy Haynes

– May 15 & 16. (Wed. & Thurs.) The Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band. The Fountain of Youth has had the biggest impact upon the leader, drummer and role model in this band. At 88, Haynes is still playing with the imagination and energy of youth. Ronnie Scott’s. +44 20 7439 0747.

Berlin

– May 17 & 18. (Fri. & Sat.) Lee Ritenour. He used to be called “Captain Fingers” in honor of his high-speed dexterity. But guitarist Ritenour has a more lyrical side as well, often employing octave melody style of his favorite musical model, Wes Montgomery. A-Trane. +49 30 3132 ext. 550

Tokyo

– May 14 – 16. (Tues. – Thurs.) Benny Golson Quartet. Tenor saxophonist/composer Golson is still, at age 84, a player with a lot of music to express. Hopefully he’ll also play some of his jazz hits such as “Killer Joe,” “Whisper Not,” “Along Came Betty” and more. The Blue Note Tokyo. +81 3-5485-0088.

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Dorothy Dale Kloss

– Mar. 20. (Wed.) “Three For the Show.” A trio of veteran performers celebrate the music of Broadway, cabaret and beyond: Dorothy Dale Kloss, at 89, is described as the world’s oldest, still performing show girl; Suzy Cadham was a Golddigger on the Dean Martin Show, and Ken Prescott starred on Broadway in 42nd St. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

– Mar. 20. (Wed.) Amanda Brecker. Singer/songwriter Brecker has an impressive lineage – her mother is Brazilian pianist/singer Eliane Elias, her father is jazz trumpeter Randy Brecker. But Amanda has her own unique musicality, as well. Her current project is Blossom, a new CD honoring the 40th anniversary of Carole King’s Tapestry.Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

– Mar. 22 & 23. (Fri. & Sat.) Julie Esposito. She’s a rare hyphenate – attorney/singer, but she manages to fulfill both roles impressively. Julie’s current show, “Open Your Window,” is a musical celebration of life—through the songs of Sondheim, Bernstein and more – delivered with the stylish, story-telling qualities that are the essence of her art. The Gardenia. (323) 467-7444.

Savion Glover

– Mar. 22. (Fri.) Savion Glover. Watching, and hearing, tap dancer Glover is like experiencing a world class drummer in tap shoes. There’s no one quite like him, so don’t miss one of his rare Southland appearances. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. (562) 916-8501

– Mar. 24. (Sun.) The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. “Mostly Baroque.” The title is right on target for a LACO program encompassing Bach, Handel, Mozart and Stravinsky. Music Director Jeffrey Kahane will conduct from the keyboard, with soloists Margaret Batjer, violin, and David Shostac, flute. A CAP UCLA concert at Royce Hall. (310) 825-2101.

San Francisco

Sheila E.

– Mar. 20 – 22. (Wed, – Fri.) Sheila E. She comes from a high visibility music world family, but she’s learned how to dominate a stage with her magnetic skills as a percussionist, singer, vocalist, songwriter and a lot more, while looking sensational. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.

New York City

– Mar. 19 – 23. (Tues. – Sat.) The Tierney Sutton Band. Grammy-nominated Sutton approaches every song she sings with an imaginative overview, superbly aided by the Band that is an essential element in her deeply expressive musical story telling. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.

Madeleine Peyroux

– Mar. 22 – 24. (Fri. – Sun.) Madeleine Peyroux. Always an unusual vocal talent, Peyroux has moved well beyond the Billie Holiday influences in her early recordings, into a versatile singer with the skill and the imagination to embrace everything from classic standards to Leonard Cohen, Randy Newman, John Hartford and beyond. Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola. (212) 258-9800.

London

Mar. 20. (Wed.) Kai Hoffman. The glamorous vocalist Hoffman celebrates the release of her new CD, Do It While You Can. Click HERE to read an iRoM review of the album. Ronnie Scott’s. +44 20 7439 0747

Copenhagen

– Mar. 22. (Fri.) Marilyn Mazur. Percussionist Mazur was American-born, but she’s lived in Denmark since the age of 6. She performs here with Celestial Circle — a group of stellar European jazz artists that includes vocalist Josefine Cronholm, pianist John Taylor and bassist Anders Jormin. Jazzhus Montmarte. +45 31 72 34 94.

Milan

– Mar. 23. (Sat.) The Ron Carter Trio. Iconic bassist Carter has spent his life playing for world class artists. And he continues to do so here with his own group, featuring pianist Donald Vega and guitarist Russell Malone. Click HERE to read a recent iRom review of Carter. Blue Note Milano. +39 02 6901 6888

By Don Heckman

Studio City, CA. On any given night in Los Angeles, world class jazz can be found in venues stretching from Orange County to Ventura County, with many stops in between. And Saturday night was no exception, when the prime quartet of saxophonist Bob Sheppard and pianist Otmaro Ruiz (with bassist John Belzaguy and drummer Jimmy Branly) performed a stirring program at Vitello’s in Studio City.

The selections were varied – Horace Silver’s “Barbara” and Bernie Miller’s “Bernie’s Tune” among them, in addition to originals from both Sheppard and Ruiz.

But the highlights of the evening virtually all traced to the jam session-like improvising, allowing each of the players to stretch out in completely spontaneous fashion. Sheppard was, as always, articulate, expressive and imaginative, on both tenor and soprano saxophones. Ruiz’s eclectic style added Latin touches to his solos, occasionally tossing in a rousing montuno in contrast to his authentically boppish single note lines.

Otmaro Ruiz, John Belzaguy, Bob Sheppard, Jimmy Branley

Give credit, as well, to the rhythm team of Belzaguy and Branley, the engine that kept the band in high gear for most of the set.

What was missing, however, was very little reference to the music promised in the advertising for the evening: “Celebrate the Season! – Latin Night – Feliz Navidad.” Despite the generally high quality of the playing, there was little in the program specifically oriented to the holiday. And, with the presence of Venezuelans Ruiz and Belzaguy and Cuban Branly, one might have hoped for something more in the way of Latin jazz excitement.

Also missing was the unannounced but rumored sitting-in presence of some of L.A.’s fine jazz singers. Several were in the audience, but failed to take the stage.

That said, it was nonetheless an evening of the sort of world class jazz I mentioned above. And, heard in action, regardless of their selection of material, the Sheppard/Belzaguy quartet’s playing was a potent reminder of the sort of jazz that’s available almost every night in the Southland.

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Katja Rieckermann

– Dec. 19 (Wed.) Katja Rieckermann. German-born saxophonist Rieckermann has a resume reaching from Rod Stewart and Al Green to Carole King and Randy Newman. But she’s best heard in her own musical settings, as she will be here. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

– Dec. 19. (Wed.) Street Corner Renaissance. A quintet of singers whose age ranges from 50 to 72, singing the sort of lush a cappella harmonies and crisp rhythms that recall the sound of groups such as the Ink Spots and the Chiffons. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

– Dec. 21. (Fri.) A Swinging Christmas with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Winter solstice (and the end of the world?) arrives with an appropriate evening of jumping and jiving from one of the great Swing revival bands. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000.

Judy Collins

– Dec. 21. (Fri.) An Evening with Judy Collins. She’s one of the true originals of pop and folk music, still applying her lovely sound and rich interpretive skills to an appealing collection of songs. The Valley Performing Arts Center. (818) 677-3000.

– Dec. 22. (Sat.) The Los Angeles Master Chorale. The superb voices of the L.A. Master Chorale continue their winter’s eves tour of great Christmas music. Click HERE to read the iRoM review of the LAMC’s recent performance of Bach and Vivaldi. This time it’s another one of the great classics — Handel’s Messiah.Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000.

– Dec. 22 and 23. (Sat. & Sun.) Los Angeles Ballet“The Nutcracker.” It’s that time of year, when The Nutcracker sets the stage for the holiday season. And the L.A. Ballet does Tchaikovsky’s classic with great authenticity. The Valley Performing Arts Center. (818) 677-3000.

Seth MacFarlane

– Dec. 23. (Sun.) Seth MacFarlane with the Ron Jones Influence Jazz Orchestra. He may be best known as the producer and creator of Family Guy. But MacFarlane also prides himself on his ability to sing a song in the classic crooner style of Frank Sinatra, Nat Cole, Dean Martin, etc. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400

New York

– Dec. 19 – 22. (Wed. – Sat. ) Freddy Cole. Yes, there’s a trace of the Cole family (Nat and Natalie) sound in Freddy’s singing, but he uses it in his own appealing style. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.

Chris Botti

– Dec. 19 – 23. (Wed. – Sun.) Chris Botti. Trumpeter Botti takes a break from his almost incessant traveling for his annual holiday appearance at The Blue Note. His continuous run of two shows a night is scheduled through Jan. 6. Click HERE to read an iRoM review of last year’s Botti performances at The Blue Note. l (212) 475-8592.

– Dec. 21 – 23. (Fri. – Sun.) New York Voices. More than two decades together, the Voices continue to apply their lush jazz harmonies to a program reaching from pop and folk to songbook standards. The Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2232.

Berlin

– Dec. 21 & 22. (Fri. & Sat.) Dwight Trible and the Paul Zauner Sextet. “Dwight Christmas.” It’s a punning title, but it’s a good description of what to expect when the vocally imaginative Trible sings a program of holiday tunes. A-Trane. 030/313 25 50.

Milan

Chiara Civelo

– Dec. 21 & 22. (Fri. & Sat.) Chiara Civello. Sicilian singer/guitarist Civello, a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, returns to her native country for a holiday celebration of her many talents. Blue Note Milan. 02.69016888.

Tokyo

– Dec. 19 & 20. (Wed. & Thurs.) Maria Schneider Orchestra. There’s nothing in big band jazz quite like the sounds, the textures and the imagination in the music Schneider writes and arranges for her talented group of players. Tokyo Blue Note. 03-5485-0088.

By Don Heckman

Jackie Ryan made one of her too-rare Southland appearances Thursday night. And it’s a fair bet that most of her entranced listeners left Vitello’s with the fervent hope that she’ll return, and soon.

Why? Because Jackie is both musical and passionate. Because her rich, dark-toned voice is the perfect vehicle for her dramatic, story-telling style. Because her phrasing can flow with rhythmic lift and swing as easily as it can create atmospheric romance. And because her performances are passionate and alive musical interactions with her listeners.

Jackie Ryan

She did all that and a lot more at Vitello’s, backed with the solid capabilities of tenor saxophonist Rickey Woodard, pianist Otmaro Ruiz, bassist Ryan McGillicuddy and drummer Dean Koba. And, as if that wasn’t enough, she also offered an intriguingly diverse set of songs, mixing familiar standards with less often heard, but equally appealing selections.

For example: Singing Abby Lincoln’s “Throw It Away,” she captured the song’s deepest zen qualities. On the Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer classic, “Accentuate the Positive,” she revived the gospel swing that is at its heart

The Gershwins’ “I Loves You Porgy” was sung with a passionate understanding of the song’s inner meaning. And “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” recalled the soulful qualities of the Ray Charles version.

And there was more: the Sherman brothers’ “To the Ends of the Earth,” a hit for Nat “King” Cole, expressed here in Jackie’s own gripping interpretation; a grooving take on “The Gypsy In My Soul”: a tender, Portuguese version of a Jobim classic; and a poignant, intimate and utterly memorable “Two For the Road,” from the Henry Mancini songbook.

Add it all up and the total result was a remarkable musical evening. And, as I said above, a rare one at that. Not just because of Jackie’s too few appearances in L.A., but also because of the uniquely appealing qualities of her performance. As I also said above, let’s hope she returns soon.

By Don Heckman

There’s a lot to be said for the kitchen at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. The cuisine is not only haut, it’s also tasty, diversified and appealing. Just like the music. And there’s a lot to be said for that, too. Combined, they make for memorable evenings.

The club’s Music Director and resident bassist, Pat Senatore enhances his far-ranging choice of performers with a regular seasoning of L.A.’s finest local artists. In any given week, there are frequent opportunities to sample the Southland’s extraordinary range of musical talent.

On Saturday night, it was trumpeter John Daversa, backed by the stellar rhythm team of pianist Otmaro Ruiz, drummer Kendall Kay and bassist Senatore.

Otmaro Ruiz, Pat Senatore, John Daversa, Kendall Kay

Daversa comes by his playing skills naturally. (His father is the well-known trumpeter Jay Daversa, whose playing can be heard on more than 200 movies and television shows.) But John has more than found his own way in the past decades. Working as a busy sideman, fronting his own groups – including a big band performing his envelope-stretching arrangements – and teaching jazz classes at CalState Northridge, he’s thoroughly established his own significant presence among the L.A. jazz elite.

“But I like gigs like this, too, as much as the more high visibility dates,” said Daversa between sets. “Sometimes it’s fun to just play tunes.”

Which is exactly the feeling that resonated through the two sets of mostly familiar tunes by Daversa, Ruiz, Kay and Senatore. Each was a delight in itself.

Opening with “Bye, Bye Blackbird, Daversa’s warm, vocalized tone was applied to the familiar line with the same kind of respect for space present in Miles Davis – clearly an influence on Daversa’s musical thinking.

“Sunny Side of the Street” was done in a gentle groove, with Daversa leading the way, and Senatore stepping to stage center with an articulate bass solo.

On “Corcovado,” Daversa switched to a mellow-sounding flugel horn, and pianist Ruiz uncovered his best, guitar-like bossa nova comping. And here, too, Daversa’s phrasing was everything, telling a melodic story in a style perfectly reflecting Miles Davis’ famous insistence that “the silences are as important as the sounds.”

Other tunes were equally appealing: among them, an intimate take on Cole Porter’s “I Love You” featuring atmospheric soloing from Ruiz and Kay, and a lyrical, but swinging “Like Someone In Love.”

The only flaw in this otherwise utterly engaging evening – which had opened with the superb duo of pianist Jeff Colella and bassist Putter Smith – was the familiar noisy crowd at Vibrato’s bar. On most nights, it’s pretty much of a given that anything short of a roaring big band is going to have to deal with waves of competitive, bar-generated audio (noise).

Fortunately, in the capable hands of artists such as the Daversa quartet and the Colella duo, the music has so much of a life of its own that it doesn’t just survive, it triumphs. And that’s another one of the good things to be said about Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.